A Journey Through Darkness: My Thoughts on The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor
From the moment I stumbled upon The Beasts We Bury, the debut novel in D.L. Taylor’s The Broken Citadel series, I was intrigued by the premise: a young girl, Mancella, grappling with the heavy burden of harboring the souls of animals she has to kill. It’s a dark concept, one that provokes both intrigue and repulsion, and I was eager to see how it would unfold. Now, after turning the last page, I find myself reflecting not only on the story but on the deeper themes embedded within it.
At its core, The Beasts We Bury is a tangled web of familial obligation, moral conflict, and the quest for identity. Mancella is thrust into a terrifying role that feels as heavy as the weight of her father’s evil—a character so villainous that every encounter practically seethed with palpable outrage. I mean, this man is the epitome of a tyrant, devoid of any moral compass. It’s a cacophony of frustration and empathy as we witness Mancella’s struggle against a patriarch who seems hell-bent on crushing her spirit. As she navigates the treacherous waters of her duty and her father’s expectations, I couldn’t help but root for her resilience, knowing all too well the societal pressures young individuals face in their formative years.
Mancella’s struggle is beautifully encapsulated in the line, “And that, just like he can never stomp the flowers out fully, I won’t let that spark of goodness in me die completely either.” This metaphor juxtaposes her inner strength against her father’s dark influence—a reminder that despite overwhelming odds, there is hope and goodness to cling to. I found myself connected to her evolving relationship with the animals she was forced to kill; each act of violence left a scar on her heart, crafting a deeper, resonant bond with the very souls she was coerced to extinguish.
The storytelling blends fierce emotional complexity with coming-of-age themes, flitting between moments of brutality and budding romance. Mancella’s interactions with Silver, her counterpart who harbors his own agenda, felt both sweet and rushed at times. Their romance had potential but often hovered around the edge of being too easily portrayed as “insta-love.” Still, I appreciated Silver’s loyalty and his internal struggles, which added dimension to an otherwise tumultuous world that was, at times, simplified in its portrayal of supporting characters.
The pacing sometimes wobbled, giving the impression of a debut where certain elements might still be finding their footing. I felt that the world-building could have benefitted from richer details, particularly with the absence of specific location names. However, there were moments of genuine tension and surprise, especially towards the end. The unexpected twists truly highlighted Taylor’s skill in crafting a story that echoes long after you’ve put it down.
Yet, I believe it’s Mancella’s resistance against her father—a scoundrel determined to undermine her—for which this book truly shines. The emotional stakes continuously rose, and many situations felt dire as she fought for her autonomy amid expectations that threatened her very essence. My blood boiled for her, and I sometimes found solace in the tragic realities of her relationships with the animals and tasks she faced.
Despite its flaws, I cannot overlook the exquisite cover art that beautifully mirrors the novel’s themes, with the imagery of flowers intertwined with a jaguar striking a powerful visual chord. I would rate The Beasts We Bury at 3 stars, a commendable start to what I hope will grow into a captivating duology.
I think this book would resonate well with fans of young adult fantasy eager to explore darker themes intertwined with resilience and growth. It invites reflections on power, morality, and the burden of choices, layered within a captivating narrative. While it didn’t reach the pinnacle of its potential just yet, I’m intrigued enough by Mancella’s journey that I’ll certainly be waiting for the sequel to see how the story unfolds.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Discover more about The Beasts We Bury (The Broken Citadel, #1) on GoodReads >>